Which part of the basilar membrane responds most strongly to low-frequency sounds?

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Cross-section diagram of the human ear showing the outer ear, middle ear, and inner ear, with labeled parts including the auricle, auditory canal, tympanic membrane, ossicles, cochlea, semicircular canals, and nerves. — human ear Structure of the human ear.

The apical end of the basilar membrane responds most strongly to low-frequency sounds.12

This occurs because the basilar membrane decreases in stiffness and increases in mass from its base to its apex. While the basal end is more attuned to high-frequency sounds due to its greater stiffness and lower mass, the decreased stiffness and increased mass at the apical end render it more responsive to lower frequencies. According to the "place theory" of hearing, sound frequencies are analyzed based on where they cause the membrane to vibrate most vigorously, with low-frequency vibrations reaching their peak amplitude at the apex.12